[darthvivi]

I have no experience with purchasing headphones nor have I ever owned a pair of headphones, so I'm not sure what kind of price range I should even be aiming for. I know I am unwilling to spend more than $150, but that does *not* mean I necessarily want something in the $100-$150 price range, because I'm unsure how much increasing cost will increase quality.

Right now I have a cheap pair of $15 Sony earbuds (not sure of the model), and I'm tired of them. I want something that is a major step up, something that will surprise me in terms of quality. Here's what I want to use headphones for:

-Music, mainly electronic but some rock and other genres. This is the main reason I want headphones, because electronic music tends to be detailed and artists focus on quality I know I'm not receiving with cheap earbuds. I listen to music on my laptop (no special sound card; it has Azalia HD Audio or something like that), and on my iPod. I don't think I'd be willing to shell out extra money for a sound card. I don't think I even could since it's a laptop.

-Using my keyboard. I've been practicing piano for years but now that I'm at college there's no good places to practice. I intend to buy a keyboard in the future, but I don't own one yet.

-Composition? Just as a hobby, I've been making some beats in FL Studio.

- Gaming. I don't play games all that much but I would be using whatever headphones I buy to play.

Noise cancellation isn't important because I'll be using them in a relatively quiet room. It only matters slightly whether sound "leaks." I don't want to annoy my roommate but unless they can easily be heard across a room I doubt they would.

I know I'm not being very specific on what exactly I want, because I don't know what exactly I want...but if I could get some suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nullPointerException]

hmm. from what i read I am thinking akg-k240s. they are 100 of amazon. wait for other suggestions first though

 

[XXII]

If you are sharing a dorm room you are probably better of with closed headphone. Lots of people would recommend the Denon D-1000 in your price range.

 

[chews89]

K240s are semi open, so they tend to leak.

It really depends on how much leakage you are willing to allow. The first headphones that come to mind are the Audio Technica AD700s. They are extremely popular around here with very high comfort levels but leakage is quite high. Btw, if you think the purple and gold colour scheme is not for u, maybe consider AD900s?(out of your price range i think) Or the cheaper AD500s which i have.

If you need closed, look at the A500s and A700s which are closed and do not leak noise.

Do you need them to be portable? Or will they be used for only home use? IMO the whole AD/A range from audio technica should be used only at home as they are huge. If u need some portability, look at the ATH-es7, AKG K518DJ, D1001

Ohyeah, use the search fuction. It is very useful so don't underestimate it.

 

[chews89]

What you gotta do, is narrow down your choices, then go find a place to audition them.

 

[Tacoboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by darthvivi /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have no experience with purchasing headphones nor have I ever owned a pair of headphones, so I'm not sure what kind of price range I should even be aiming for. I know I am unwilling to spend more than $150, but that does *not* mean I necessarily want something in the $100-$150 price range, because I'm unsure how much increasing cost will increase quality. Right now I have a cheap pair of $15 Sony earbuds (not sure of the model), and I'm tired of them. I want something that is a major step up, something that will surprise me in terms of quality. Here's what I want to use headphones for: -Music, mainly electronic but some rock and other genres. This is the main reason I want headphones, because electronic music tends to be detailed and artists focus on quality I know I'm not receiving with cheap earbuds. I listen to music on my laptop (no special sound card; it has Azalia HD Audio or something like that), and on my iPod. I don't think I'd be willing to shell out extra money for a sound card. I don't think I even could since it's a laptop. -Using my keyboard. I've been practicing piano for years but now that I'm at college there's no good places to practice. I intend to buy a keyboard in the future, but I don't own one yet. -Composition? Just as a hobby, I've been making some beats in FL Studio. - Gaming. I don't play games all that much but I would be using whatever headphones I buy to play. Noise cancellation isn't important because I'll be using them in a relatively quiet room. It only matters slightly whether sound "leaks." I don't want to annoy my roommate but unless they can easily be heard across a room I doubt they would. I know I'm not being very specific on what exactly I want, because I don't know what exactly I want...but if I could get some suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.

Are these roommates in the same room, or just next to your room?
If they are in the next room, get Audio Technica ATH-AD500 or ATH-AD700, they are "open" headphones.
If they co-habitat in the same room, then JVC HA-RX700 or RX900 "closed" headphones.
Get some Sennheiser HD 201 for traveling with the IPod, at $15-$20 it will not be too bad if lost or stolen.
Right this minute I'm enjoying my HA-RX900s while listening the Heavy Metal song Takin' a Ride (Don Felder), LIFE IS GOOD.

 

[darthvivi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chews89 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What you gotta do, is narrow down your choices, then go find a place to audition them.

Audition them? Like at a store? I don't know of any that allow customers to try a wide variety of headphones.

Thanks for suggestions. I'm looking into everything in this topic. Also, roommate is in the same room as me. I don't think I'll use whatever I buy for portability, and instead just use something cheaper.

 

[goober-george]

I second the HA-RX 700s or 900s, the 900s are great all-arounders and I feel its strong point is electronica.

 

[darthvivi]

edit: oops, I don't know how to delete a double post.

 

[darthvivi]

I read a review for the HA-RX 900 that said they start to get uncomfortable after an hour due to warmth. That's a problem for me, I need something that I can use comfortably for several hours straight. I'm guessing that's a problem with all closed headphones. How long do you have to take them off before you can comfortably wear them again?

 

[jung]

Koss KSC75

 

[chews89]

From reading around if its purely a heat/sweat problem and not "an ear-aching issue", generally, you can use your headphones for about 2 hours, take a 3-5 minute break and then continue using them again.

But of course, it differs from headphone to headphone..

 

[chews89]

Quote:

Originally Posted by darthvivi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Audition them? Like at a store? I don't know of any that allow customers to try a wide variety of headphones. Thanks for suggestions. I'm looking into everything in this topic. Also, roommate is in the same room as me. I don't think I'll use whatever I buy for portability, and instead just use something cheaper.

Yes, try them out in a store. No matter how much you read, first hand experience is always the best. If your in the US, i've read that generally guitar stores have some headphones that allow you to try them, or maybe an audio specialist store nearby.. I dunno man, you gotta do that research on your own.

If your roomate is in the same room as you, i suggest closed then.